U.S. patent application number 15/849167 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-20 for adjustable lift engager.
The applicant listed for this patent is UOP LLC. Invention is credited to Louis A. Lattanzio, Gregory James Nedohin.
Application Number | 20190184359 15/849167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66813748 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-20 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190184359 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lattanzio; Louis A. ; et
al. |
June 20, 2019 |
ADJUSTABLE LIFT ENGAGER
Abstract
A lift engager for providing a stream of fluidized catalyst
particles with an adjustable conduit and process using the lift
engager. The lift engager includes a vessel with an inlet
configured to receive catalyst from a reaction zone. A first
conduit, within the vessel, is configured to supply lift gas into
the lift engager. The first conduit includes a fixed member and a
movable member secured to the fixed member and is configured to
adjust a length of the first conduit within the vessel. A second
conduit inside the first conduit and configured to provide
fluidized catalyst to a regeneration zone.
Inventors: |
Lattanzio; Louis A.; (Des
Plaines, IL) ; Nedohin; Gregory James; (Des Plaines,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UOP LLC |
Des Plaines |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66813748 |
Appl. No.: |
15/849167 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10G 49/10 20130101;
B01J 8/12 20130101; C01B 2203/1247 20130101; C10G 35/10 20130101;
B01J 2208/027 20130101; B65G 53/42 20130101; B65G 53/52 20130101;
B01J 8/1845 20130101; C01B 2203/1064 20130101; B01J 4/001 20130101;
B01J 8/18 20130101; C10G 35/12 20130101; C10G 29/205 20130101; B01J
8/001 20130101; B01J 8/125 20130101; C10G 49/002 20130101; C01B
2203/0233 20130101; C01B 3/00 20130101; B01J 8/008 20130101; B01J
8/26 20130101; B01J 8/002 20130101; C01B 3/42 20130101; C01B
2203/0822 20130101; B01J 8/0025 20130101; B65G 53/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01J 8/00 20060101
B01J008/00; B01J 8/12 20060101 B01J008/12; C10G 35/12 20060101
C10G035/12; C10G 49/00 20060101 C10G049/00 |
Claims
1. A lift engager for providing a stream of fluidized catalyst
particles, the lift engager comprising: a vessel with an inlet
configured to receive catalyst from a reaction zone; a first
conduit within the vessel configured to supply lift gas into the
lift engager, the first conduit comprising a fixed member and a
movable member secured to the fixed member and configured to adjust
a length of the first conduit within the vessel; and, a second
conduit inside the first conduit and configured to provide
fluidized catalyst to a regeneration zone.
2. The lift engager of claim 1 wherein the fixed member includes a
first end, and wherein the movable member comprises a first end,
and wherein the first end of the fixed member and the first end of
the moveable member are configured complementarily to engage each
other and prevent rotation of the movable member relative to the
fixed member.
3. The lift engager of claim 2, wherein both first ends comprise a
plurality of alternating teeth and gaps, the teeth of one first end
configured to be received in the gaps of the other first end.
4. The lift engager of claim 1, further comprising: a sleeve
disposed about both of the fixed member and the movable member.
5. The lift engager of claim 4, wherein the sleeve includes an
inner surface comprising threads, and wherein the moveable member
includes an outer surface comprising threads configured to engage
the threads of the inner surface of the sleeve.
6. The lift engager of claim 5 further comprising: a collar secured
to the fixed member and extending over a first end of the
sleeve.
7. The lift engager of claim 5 wherein an outer surface of the
sleeve comprises a worm gear.
8. The lift engager of claim 7 further comprising: a shaft engaging
the worm gear and extending out of the vessel and configured to
rotate in or to cause the sleeve to rotate relative to the fixed
member.
9. The lift engager of claim 7 further comprising: a detent on the
outer surface of the fixed member, and, wherein the sleeve
comprises a plurality of bearings configured to engage the detent
on the outer surface of the fixed member.
10. A lift engager for providing fluidized catalyst particles, the
lift engager comprising: a vessel with an inlet configured to
receive catalyst; a first conduit within the vessel configured to
supply lift gas into the lift engager, the first conduit comprising
a fixed member, a sleeve secured to the fixed member, and a movable
member engaging the sleeve and configured to move relative to the
fixed member to adjust a length of the first conduit within the
vessel; and, a second conduit inside of the first conduit and
configured to provide fluidized catalyst.
11. The lift engager of claim 7 further comprising: a detent on an
outer surface of the fixed member, and, wherein the sleeve
comprises a plurality of bearings configured to engage the
detent.
12. The lift engager of claim 11, wherein the sleeve includes an
inner surface comprising threads, and wherein the moveable member
includes an outer surface comprising threads configured to engage
the threads of the inner surface of the sleeve.
13. The lift engager of claim 12, wherein the fixed member includes
a first end, and wherein the movable member comprises a first end,
and wherein the first end of the fixed member and the first end of
the moveable member are configured complementarily to engage each
other and prevent rotation of the movable member relative to the
fixed member.
14. The lift engager of claim 13, wherein both first ends comprise
a plurality of alternating teeth and gaps, the teeth of one first
end configured to be received in the gaps of the other first
end.
15. The lift engager of claim 10 wherein the outer surface of the
sleeve comprises a worm gear.
16. The lift engager of claim 15 further comprising: a shaft
engaging the worm gear and extending out of the vessel and
configured to rotate to adjust a position of the moveable member
relative to the fixed member.
17. The lift engager of claim 10 further comprising: a collar
secured to the fixed member and extending over a first end of the
sleeve.
18. A process for providing fluidized catalyst, the process
comprising: passing catalyst particles from a reaction zone to a
vessel; passing a stream of fluidizing gas into the vessel via a
first conduit, wherein the first conduit comprises a fixed member,
a sleeve rotatably secured to the fixed member, and a movable
member engaging the sleeve, the moveable member configured to move
in relative to the fixed member to adjust a length of the first
conduit; passing fluidized catalyst to a regeneration zone through
a second conduit, wherein within the vessel the second conduit
extends within the first conduit.
19. The process of claim 18 further comprising: rotating the sleeve
in order to adjust a length of the first conduit.
20. The process of claim 19 further comprising: rotating a shaft
extending out of the vessel in order to rotate the sleeve of the
first conduit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed toward a lift engager
configured to provide a stream of fluidized catalyst, and more
particularly to a lift engager with an adjustable conduct for
adjusting the flow of the stream of fluidized catalyst.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Catalytic processes for the conversion of hydrocarbons are
well known and extensively used. Invariably catalysts used in these
processes become deactivated for one or more reasons. Where the
accumulation of coke deposits often causes the deactivation,
reconditioning of the catalyst to remove coke deposits helps
restore the activity of the catalyst. Coke is normally removed from
catalyst by contact of the coke-containing catalyst at high
temperature with an oxygen-containing gas to combust and remove the
coke in a regeneration process. These processes can be carried out
in-situ or the catalyst may be removed from a vessel in which the
hydrocarbon conversion takes place and transported to a separate
regeneration zone for coke removal. Arrangements for continuously
or semi-continuously removing catalyst particles from a reaction
zone and for coke removal in a regeneration zone are well
known.
[0003] In order to transport catalyst from a reaction zone
containing hydrocarbons to a regeneration zone containing oxygen,
the two zones are ordinarily connected by one or more lines or
conduits. The two zones generally operate at different pressures
and contain different fluids which preferably are inhibited from
communicating with one another.
[0004] Accordingly, various devices are provided for separating the
catalyst from the hydrocarbon products, and for providing a
fluidized stream of catalyst to the regeneration zone. One such
device is known as a lift engager. An exemplary lift engager is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,440 the entirety of which is
incorporated herein. Such lift engager comprises a pair of
concentric conduits within a vessel. In the annulus between the
concentric conduits, the outer conduit provides a gas that is used,
inter alia, to lift catalyst particles out of the vessel through
the inner conduit.
[0005] While such devices are presumably effective for their
intended uses, conventional lift engagers utilize concentric
conduits that are both fixed. In other words, within the vessel,
the length of the conduits cannot be easily adjusted. Furthermore,
after installation, once the processing unit with the lift engager
is operating, it is time consuming and arduous process to adjust
the length of the conduits. Additionally, the processing unit must
be stopped or at a minimum have its throughput reduced so that the
vessel is disassembled. Once the vessel is disassembled, one or
both of the conduits are permanently cut with tools.
[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for a lift engager that does
not require such a time consuming process in order to adjust the
conduits of the lift engager. It would particularly be desirable to
also provide a lift engager that did not require the processing
unit to be shut down when adjusting the length of the conduits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a lift engager that solves
one or more of the problems discussed above. Specifically, the
present invention provides a lift engager that includes concentric
conduits. At least one of the conduits, preferably, the outer
conduit, has an adjustable length (relative to the top of the
vessel or the bottom of the vessel). Although not required, it is
further contemplated that the adjustable pipe is adjusted without
removing the vessel of the lift engager.
[0008] Accordingly, in one or more broad aspects of the present
invention, the present invention provides a lift engager configured
to provide a stream of fluidized catalyst particles including: a
vessel with an inlet configured to receive catalyst from a reaction
zone; a first conduit within the vessel configured to supply lift
gas into the lift engager, the first conduit comprising a fixed
member and a movable member secured to the fixed member and
configured to adjust a length of the first conduit within the
vessel; and, a second conduit inside the first conduit and
configured to provide fluidized catalyst to a regeneration
zone.
[0009] Additionally, in at least one general aspect of the present
invention, a lift engager for providing fluidized catalyst
particles is provided which includes: a vessel with an inlet
configured to receive catalyst; a first conduit within the vessel
configured to supply lift gas into the lift engager, the first
conduit comprising a fixed member, a sleeve secured to the fixed
member, and a movable member engaging the sleeve and configured to
move relative to the fixed member to adjust a length of the first
conduit within the vessel; and, a second conduit inside of the
first conduit and configured to provide fluidized catalyst.
[0010] Furthermore, in one or more broad aspects of the present
invention, the present invention provides a process for providing
fluidized catalyst by: passing catalyst particles from a reaction
zone to a vessel; passing a stream of fluidizing gas into the
vessel via a first conduit, wherein the first conduit comprises a
fixed member, a sleeve rotatably secured to the fixed member, and a
movable member engaging the sleeve, the moveable member configured
to move in relative to the fixed member to adjust a length of the
first conduit; passing fluidized catalyst to a regeneration zone
through a second conduit, wherein within the vessel the second
conduit extends within the first conduit.
[0011] Additional aspects, embodiments, and details of the
invention, all of which may be combinable in any manner, are set
forth in the following detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described below in conjunction with the following drawing
figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a partial schematic process flow drawing
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective partial cutaway of a lift engager
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
and,
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a top cutaway of a lift engager according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As discussed above, the present invention provides a lift
engager that includes an adjustable conduit. This allows for the
adjustment, preferably an online adjustment, of the lift gap
without requiring the lift conduits to be removed or cut. In other
words, the processing unit does not need to shut down when
adjusting the length of one of the conduits. As will be
appreciated, allowing the processing unit to operate while the
conduit is being adjusted avoids operating losses from lost
processing time from reducing or shutting down the throughput for
the processing unit associated with conventional processes. The
present lift engager can be installed on existing processing units
with minor modifications or installed on new processing units to
provide the ability to adjust the lift gap without opening the lift
engager. Additionally, to allow the user to adjust the gap in even
increments without having to physically measure the gap, the lift
engager can utilize a ratcheting mechanism, or the like.
[0017] Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 1, the present invention
will be described in more detail with the understanding that this
description is not intended to be limiting. A lift engager 10 is
typically installed in a processing unit 12 between a reaction zone
14 and a regeneration zone 16.
[0018] The reaction zone 14 includes a reactor 18 employed in any
one of a variety of hydrocarbon conversion reactions including
catalytic reforming, fixed-bed alkylation, hydrorefining,
hydrocracking, dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, steam reforming,
etc. The catalysts used in these processes are maintained in the
reactor zone 14. Over time, the catalyst in the reaction zone 14
generally becomes deactivated because of the accumulation of coke
deposits. Regeneration of the catalyst to remove the coke deposits
helps restore the activity of the catalyst. Coke deposits are
generally removed from the catalyst by contacting the catalyst with
an oxygen-containing gas to combust and remove the coke in the
regeneration zone 16. Many of these processing unit 12 include the
reaction zone 14 and the regeneration zone 16 in side-by-side
relation to each other. In these systems, the catalyst is
continuously or semi-continuously removed from the reaction zone 14
and transferred to the regeneration zone 16 for coke removal.
Following coke removal, the catalyst is removed from the
regeneration zone 16 and transferred back to the reaction zone 14
(not depicted but known to those of ordinary skill in the art).
[0019] The most widely practiced hydrocarbon conversion process to
which the present invention is applicable is catalytic reforming.
Therefore, the discussion herein of the present invention will be
in reference to its application to a catalytic reforming reaction
system. It is not intended that this discussion limit the scope of
the present invention as set forth in the claims.
[0020] Catalytic reforming is a well-established hydrocarbon
conversion process employed in the petroleum refining industry for
improving the octane quality of hydrocarbon feedstocks, the primary
product of reforming being motor gasoline. The art of catalytic
reforming is well known and does not require detailed description
herein.
[0021] Briefly, in catalytic reforming, a feedstock is admixed with
a recycle stream comprising hydrogen and contacted with catalyst in
a reaction zone. The usual feedstock for catalytic reforming is a
petroleum fraction known as naphtha and having an initial boiling
point of about 180.degree. F. (80.degree. C.) and an end boiling
point of about 400.degree. F. (205.degree. C.). The catalytic
reforming process is particularly applicable to the treatment of
straight run gasolines comprised of relatively large concentrations
of naphthenic and substantially straight chain paraffinic
hydrocarbons, which are subject to aromatization through
dehydrogenation and/or cyclization reactions.
[0022] Reforming may be defined as the total effect produced by
dehydrogenation of cyclohexanes and dehydroisomerization of
alkylcyclopentanes to yield aromatics, dehydrogenation of paraffins
to yield olefins, dehydrocyclization of paraffins and olefins to
yield aromatics, isomerization of n-paraffins, isomerization of
alkylcycloparaffins to yield cyclohexanes, isomerization of
substituted aromatics, and hydrocracking of paraffins. Further
information on reforming processes may be found in, for example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,526 (Peters et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,095
(Peters); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,626 (Winter et al.).
[0023] A catalytic reforming reaction is normally effected in the
presence of catalyst particles comprised of one or more Group VIII
noble metals (e.g., platinum, iridium, rhodium, palladium) and a
halogen combined with a porous carrier, such as a refractory
inorganic oxide. The halogen is normally chlorine. Alumina is a
commonly used carrier. The particles are usually spheroidal and
have a diameter of from about 1/16th to about 1/8th inch (1.5-3.1
mm), though they may be as large as 1/4th inch (6.35 mm). In a
particular reaction-regeneration system, however, it is desirable
to use catalyst particles which fall in a relatively narrow size
range. A preferred catalyst particle diameter is 1/16th inch (1.6
mm). During the course of a reforming reaction, catalyst particles
become deactivated as a result of mechanisms such as the deposition
of coke on the particles; that is, after a period of time in use,
the ability of catalyst particles to promote reforming reactions
decreases to the point that the catalyst is no longer useful. The
catalyst must be reconditioned, or regenerated, before it can be
reused in a reforming process.
[0024] In a preferred form, the reformer will employ a moving bed
reaction zone and regeneration zone. The present invention is
applicable to a moving bed regeneration zone and a fixed bed
regeneration zone. Fresh catalyst particles are fed to a reaction
zone, which may be comprised of several subzones, and the particles
flow through the zone by gravity. Catalyst is withdrawn from the
bottom of the reaction zone and transported to a regeneration zone
where a multi-step regeneration process is used to remove the coke
deposits and recondition the catalyst to restore its full reaction
promoting ability. The art of moving bed regeneration zones is well
known and does not require detailed description herein. What is
important is that the regeneration zone contains oxygen and
generally operates in excess of 700.degree. F. (370.degree. C.).
Catalyst flows by gravity through the various regeneration steps
and then is withdrawn from the regeneration zone and furnished to
the reaction zone. Catalyst that is withdrawn from the regeneration
zone is termed regenerated catalyst. Movement of catalyst through
the zones is often referred to as continuous though, in practice,
it may be semi-continuous. By semi-continuous movement is meant the
repeated transfer of relatively small amounts of catalyst at
closely spaced points in time. For example, one batch per minute
may be withdrawn from the bottom of a reaction zone and withdrawal
may take one-half minute, that is, catalyst will flow for one-half
minute. If the inventory in the reaction zone is large, the
catalyst bed may be considered to be continuously moving. A moving
bed system has the advantage of maintaining production while the
catalyst is removed or replaced.
[0025] In FIG. 1, the reaction zone 14 and the regeneration zone 16
are, in a preferred configuration, in side-by-side relation. The
reaction zone 14 may be maintained independently with its own
atmosphere and at its own pressure by any suitable means, and such
means are not essential elements of the present invention. An
effluent stream comprising catalyst particles and hydrocarbon is
withdrawn from the reaction zone 14 and passed to the lift engager
10.
[0026] As will be appreciated, although not depicted in FIG. 1,
there may be one or more various structures between the reactor 18
and the lift engager 10 that separate the catalyst from the
hydrocarbons. For example, in some reactors 18, there is a catalyst
collector 19 between the reactor 18 and the lift engager 10.
Additionally, from a catalyst collector 19, the catalyst may be
passed to a lock hopper 21 before being passed to the lift engager
10. Within a reaction zone 14, the structures between different
reactors and the respective lift engagers may differ. Regardless of
the exact structure, between the reactor 18 and the lift engager
10, hydrogen and hydrocarbon(s) are purged or separated from the
catalyst particles. Accordingly, a variety of different shapes and
internal baffles may be utilized to help ensure adequate purging
and provide a stream of catalyst via one or more catalyst-transfer
pipes 22
[0027] Specifically, the lift engager 10 includes a vessel or shell
24 having a top 26 and a bottom 28. The lift engager 10 includes an
inlet 30 for receiving the catalyst from the reaction zone 12, such
as via the catalyst-transfer pipes 22. A pair of concentric
conduits 32, 34 extend downward in the shell 24 away from the top
26 and toward the bottom 28. The annular space 37 between the outer
conduit 32 and the interior wall of the lift-engager 10 is filled
with catalyst from, for example, the catalyst-transfer pipes
22.
[0028] Due to the presence of a fluidizing gas in the lift engager
10, via line 36 for example, a stream of fluidized catalyst is
withdrawn from the lift engager 10 through the inner conduit 34 and
is passed to the regeneration zone 16 via line 38. The fluidizing
gas 36 is supplied to the lift engager 10 through the annular zone
39 between the two concentric conduits 32, 34. Additionally,
fluidizing gas may also be passed directly into the annular space
37 between the outer conduit 32 and the interior wall of the
lift-engager 10. As would be appreciated, the exact composition of
the fluidizing gas 36 depends on the reactor 18 and can be, for
example, nitrogen or hydrogen.
[0029] As mentioned at the outset, the lengths of the conduits 32,
34 within the vessel 24 (i.e., the distance from the top 26 to the
end of the conduit 32, 34 or the distance from the bottom 28 to the
end of the conduit 32, 34) may need to be adjusted. Accordingly, in
accordance with the present invention, at least one of the conduits
32, 34 has an adjustable length.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the outer
conduit 32 is provided with an adjustable length with two members.
As depicted, the outer conduit 32 comprises a fixed member 40 and a
moveable member 42. The inner conduit 34 passes through both
members 40, 42. Once installed in the vessel 24, the positioning of
the fixed member 40 relative to the top 26 or the bottom 28 of the
vessel 24 does not change. In contrast, the positioning of the
moveable member 42 can be changed relative to the top 26 or the
bottom 28 of the vessel 24. The fixed member 40 and the movable
member 42 are secured to each other in a manner that allows the
movable member 42 to adjust a length of the outer conduit 32 within
the vessel 24.
[0031] Additionally, the outer conduit 32 includes a cylindrical
sleeve 44 having a first end 46 rotateably secured to the fixed
member 40 with at least detent 48 and plurality of bearings 50. A
collar or deflector 52 is installed around the fixed member 40 and
covers the first end 46 to minimize catalyst particles from flowing
therein. It is not required that the collar 52 provide a gas tight
seal between the fixed member 40 and the cylindrical sleeve 44.
[0032] A portion of an inner surface 54 of the cylindrical sleeve
44, preferably, starting at the second end 56 of the cylindrical
sleeve 44, is threaded. A portion of an outer surface 58 of the
moveable member 42 is also threaded and configured to engage the
threaded portion of the inner surface 54 of the cylindrical sleeve
44. One end 60 of the moveable member 42 includes engagement
members 62a, and one end 64 of the fixed member 40 includes
engagement members 62b configured complementarily to the engagement
members 62a, 62b of the moveable member 42. The interference
between the engagement members 62a, 62b prevents rotation of the
movable member 42 relative to the fixed member 40. In the depicted
embodiment, the engagement members 62a, 62b are a plurality of
alternating teeth 66 and gaps 68 where the teeth 66 of one of the
members 40, 42 is configured to be received in the gaps 68 of the
other member 40, 42.
[0033] In use, the sleeve 44 is rotated. Due to the engagement
between the threaded portion of the inner surface 54 and the
threaded portion of the outer surface 58 and the interference
between the engagement members 62a, 62b, the moveable member 42
moves (up and down relative to the drawing). This configuration is
merely preferred and other structures can be used to adjust the
positioning of the moveable member 42 within the vessel 24 and in
relative to the fixed member 40 in order to adjust the length of
the first conduit 32.
[0034] While such an arrangement will allow of the length of the
outer conduit 32 to be adjusted in a manner that is less time
consuming than prior processes, it is especially desired if the
outer conduit 32 is adjusted while inside the vessel 24.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, a worm gear 70 is disposed on an
outer surface 72 of the cylindrical sleeve 44. The worm gear 70 may
be integrally formed with the cylindrical sleeve 44, or it may be
coupled to the outer surface 72 of the cylindrical sleeve 44 in a
conventional manner (adhesive, bonded, welded, etc.). The worm gear
70 engages with a worm 74 on a worm shaft 76. As is known, the worm
74 translates a rotational movement of the worm shaft 76 to a
rotational movement of the worm gear 70. The worm shaft 76
preferably extends out of the vessel 24, meaning that the worm
shaft 76 is configured to receive a rotational movement originating
outside of the vessel 24. Rotation of the worm shaft 76, via a
handle 78 or motor, thus is translated into rotation of the worm
gear 70 by the worm 74 on the worm shaft 76. This will rotate the
cylindrical sleeve 44 due to the coupling of the worm gear 70 and
the cylindrical sleeve 44. As mentioned above, the rotation of the
cylindrical sleeve 44 displaces the moveable member 42 and adjusts
a length of the outer conduit 32.
[0035] It is preferred that the threaded portion of the inner
surface 54 and the threaded portion of the outer surface 58 are
configured so that one revolution of the cylindrical sleeve 44
displaces the moveable member 42 a predetermined distance, for
example 4 mm. Using known structures like a ratcheting mechanism,
each quarter rotation of the cylindrical sleeve 44 preferably
generates an audible indictor, such a click. Accordingly, when
adjusting the length of the outer conduit 32, the change in length
can be easily recognized and appreciated.
[0036] When used in a process that provides fluidized catalyst, the
lift engager 10 allows for the length of the outer conduit 32 to be
adjusted without requiring a shut down or reduction in throughput
of the processing unit. Furthermore, the adjustment can be made in
order to accommodate processing conditions, providing for improved
processing.
[0037] It should be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that various other components such as valves,
pumps, filters, coolers, etc. were not shown in the drawings as it
is believed that the specifics of same are well within the
knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art and a description
of same is not necessary for practicing or understanding the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should
be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should
also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary
embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the
scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims
and their legal equivalents.
SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0039] While the following is described in conjunction with
specific embodiments, it will be understood that this description
is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the preceding
description and the appended claims.
[0040] A first embodiment of the invention is a lift engager for
providing a stream of fluidized catalyst particles, the engager
comprising a vessel with an inlet configured to receive catalyst
from a reaction zone; a first conduit within the vessel configured
to supply lift gas into the lift engager, the first conduit
comprising a fixed member and a movable member secured to the fixed
member and configured to adjust a length of the first conduit
within the vessel; and, a second conduit inside the first conduit
and configured to provide fluidized catalyst to a regeneration
zone. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior
embodiments in this paragraph up through the first embodiment in
this paragraph wherein the fixed member includes a first end, and
wherein the movable member comprises a first end, and wherein the
first end of the fixed member and the first end of the moveable
member are configured complementarily to engage each other and
prevent rotation of the movable member relative to the fixed
member. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior
embodiments in this paragraph up through the first embodiment in
this paragraph, wherein both first ends comprise a plurality of
alternating teeth and gaps, the teeth of one first end configured
to be received in the gaps of the other first end. An embodiment of
the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this
paragraph up through the first embodiment in this paragraph,
further comprising a sleeve disposed about both of the fixed member
and the movable member. An embodiment of the invention is one, any
or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the first
embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the sleeve includes an inner
surface comprising threads, and wherein the moveable member
includes an outer surface comprising threads configured to engage
the threads of the inner surface of the sleeve. An embodiment of
the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this
paragraph up through the first embodiment in this paragraph further
comprising a collar secured to the fixed member and extending over
a first end of the sleeve. An embodiment of the invention is one,
any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the
first embodiment in this paragraph wherein an outer surface of the
sleeve comprises a worm gear. An embodiment of the invention is
one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through
the first embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a shaft
engaging the worm gear and extending out of the vessel and
configured to rotate in or to cause the sleeve to rotate relative
to the fixed member. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or
all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the first
embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a detent on the
outer surface of the fixed member, and, wherein the sleeve
comprises a plurality of bearings configured to engage the detent
on the outer surface of the fixed member.
[0041] A second embodiment of the invention is a lift engager for
providing fluidized catalyst particles, the lift engager comprising
a vessel with an inlet configured to receive catalyst; a first
conduit within the vessel configured to supply lift gas into the
lift engager, the first conduit comprising a fixed member, a sleeve
secured to the fixed member, and a movable member engaging the
sleeve and configured to move relative to the fixed member to
adjust a length of the first conduit within the vessel; and, a
second conduit inside of the first conduit and configured to
provide fluidized catalyst. An embodiment of the invention is one,
any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the
second embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a detent on
an outer surface of the fixed member, and, wherein the sleeve
comprises a plurality of bearings configured to engage the detent.
An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior
embodiments in this paragraph up through the second embodiment in
this paragraph, wherein the sleeve includes an inner surface
comprising threads, and wherein the moveable member includes an
outer surface comprising threads configured to engage the threads
of the inner surface of the sleeve. An embodiment of the invention
is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up
through the second embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the fixed
member includes a first end, and wherein the movable member
comprises a first end, and wherein the first end of the fixed
member and the first end of the moveable member are configured
complementarily to engage each other and prevent rotation of the
movable member relative to the fixed member. An embodiment of the
invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph
up through the second embodiment in this paragraph, wherein both
first ends comprise a plurality of alternating teeth and gaps, the
teeth of one first end configured to be received in the gaps of the
other first end. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all
of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the second
embodiment in this paragraph wherein the outer surface of the
sleeve comprises a worm gear. An embodiment of the invention is
one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through
the second embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a shaft
engaging the worm gear and extending out of the vessel and
configured to rotate to adjust a position of the moveable member
relative to the fixed member. An embodiment of the invention is
one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through
the second embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a collar
secured to the fixed member and extending over a first end of the
sleeve.
[0042] A third embodiment of the invention is a process for
providing fluidized catalyst, the process comprising passing
catalyst particles from a reaction zone to a vessel; passing a
stream of fluidizing gas into the vessel via a first conduit,
wherein the first conduit comprises a fixed member, a sleeve
rotatably secured to the fixed member, and a movable member
engaging the sleeve, the moveable member configured to move in
relative to the fixed member to adjust a length of the first
conduit; passing fluidized catalyst to a regeneration zone through
a second conduit, wherein within the vessel the second conduit
extends within the first conduit. An embodiment of the invention is
one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through
the third embodiment in this paragraph further comprising rotating
the sleeve in order to adjust a length of the first conduit. An
embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments
in this paragraph up through the third embodiment in this paragraph
further comprising rotating a shaft extending out of the vessel in
order to rotate the sleeve of the first conduit.
[0043] Without further elaboration, it is believed that using the
preceding description that one skilled in the art can utilize the
present invention to its fullest extent and easily ascertain the
essential characteristics of this invention, without departing from
the spirit and scope thereof, to make various changes and
modifications of the invention and to adapt it to various usages
and conditions. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are,
therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limiting
the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever, and that it
is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0044] In the foregoing, all temperatures are set forth in degrees
Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless
otherwise indicated.
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